1997 Fender Custom Shop MBS Custom Quilt Maple Top Stratocaster by J.W.Black Cherry Sunburst

Fender Custom Shop 1997 MBS Custom Quilt Maple Top Stratocaster by J.W.Black

This is the "Custom Quilt Maple Top Stratocaster" model, built by J.W. Black, a highly regarded as a builder and brand owner.

He was the first senior master builder in the Fender Custom Shop and laid the foundation for the Jeff Beck and Clapton models.

The body top is made of large, three-dimensional quilted maple; the neck is made of bird's eye flame maple; and the guitar features abalone shell position markers, a pearloid pickguard and gold hardware, giving it a premium look.

J.W. Black has signed the aluminum sheet on the back of the pickguard.

The neck has a V-shaped grip with reduced thickness (marked as '54 shape on the neck), the fingerboard radius is 9.5R and the frets are medium jumbo type.

The pickups are Fat 50s and are wired for a bridge tone.

There are a few scratches on the body top and multiple scuffs on the body back and sides, as well as a few pockmarks. However, considering the age of the guitar, it remains in good cosmetic condition.

The frets have been rubbed together and there is about 60% remaining. Both the neck and the truss rod work fine.

The certificate states "Custom Flame Maple Top Stratocaster," but the serial number and date match, so we believe this to be a mistake.

The button on the pocket inside the case is broken.

Body: Quilted Maple/Ash
Neck : Bird's Eye Maple
Fingerboard: 9.5R
Fret: Medium jumbo
Weight: 3.70 kg

Case: Original Hard Case
Accessories: Certificate